This is my story about Bai, who is not only my oldest brother, but my mentor, my peer, the harshest critic of my presentation of 'world music' style kirtan worldwide, but also the father figure after the passing away of Bapu Ji.
Seeing the state of the practice of our faith and ‘way of life’, Sikhi today, brings back nostalgic memories of yesteryear (my childhood) when it seemed all so simple and full of joy. I speak of Sikhi in the former Malaya (now Malaysia) where I was born.
Fifty years - half a century, seems like a long time. Yes, for me a lifetime affection and association, with Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia - my link with my faith - run by youth, for youth. The youthful Sabha has always worked towards making Sikhi relevant in the lives of younger generations...
It is quite amazing, that the one guru who perhaps does not get as much 'exposure' amongst Sikhs, has now stepped up and declared his relevance into the future when the environment has become the most important issue into the future
I do not normally watch such games (even the Olympics, or the World Cup soccer matches) with such devotion as I did these games. The reason is simple. I was able to see my 'people' on a daily basis on TV.
At the time of writing, the Dubai gurdwara named 'Guru Nanak Darbar', has reached ground level with a three storey underground carpark which will accommodate up to 500 vehicles.
It is my observation that the significance and meaning of the actual ‘lavan’ are today, generally, a mere formality and the remaining ‘merry-making’ and that other, sometimes meaningless and outdated, cultural ceremonies have taken greater prominence.